Sept. 23, 2013

League release

VERMILLION, S.D. – Junior Melissa Firtko was named the Summit League Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week after recording 22 blocks in four matches last week. It's her first player of the week honor of her collegiate career.

Firtko had a career high 12 blocks in USD's four set win over North Dakota on Monday, and recorded five blocks against Wichita State and four blocks against No. 7 Hawai'I at the Shocker Volleyball Classic. She also added 17 kills and six digs during the week.

South Dakota (9-6) will start the conference season at 7 p.m. on Friday with a home match against defending Summit League champion Fort Wayne.